8 BIFF bomb makers surrender in Maguindanao
COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Eight local terrorists, trained in fabrication of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by the moribund Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, surrendered to the military Thursday.
Major Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Army 6th Infantry Division commander, told reporters yesterday that the group also surrendered components for IEDs, grenades, three handguns, grenade launcher, Garand rifle, Carbine rifle and a light machinegun.
Nafarrete added that the eight pledged allegiance to the government before officials of the 33rd Infantry Battalion and local chief executives in Maguindanao del Sur.
Both the BIFF and ally Dawlah Islamiya are known for fomenting hatred for non-Muslims and have a reputation for bombing establishments and buses to compel owners to shell out money and food for its members holding out in isolated areas in Central Mindanao.
In Pampanga, three former rebels and 10 of their supporters surrendered to authorities on Friday. — Ric Sapnu
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